MUSKEGON TOWNSHIP - For the Reeths-Puffer football program, step one in the rebuilding process was reaching a point of competitiveness with local powerhouse rivals Muskegon and Mona Shores.
That was a huge challenge, considering the number of trips the Big Reds and Sailors have made to the state finals in recent years.
But the Rockets reached that plateau right away under first-year head coach Cody Kater, giving both rivals a real run for their money last year.
They battled Muskegon hard before falling 28-20, then gave Mona Shores a scare before falling 15-0.
Both games were winnable, and the immediate goal was accomplished. Playing those teams tough brought a new confidence to the program.
Photo/Joe Lane
But the Rockets under Kater are an impatient bunch. While they settled for “moral victories” in 2022 against their two biggest rivals, they would like to start getting the real thing.
Their first chance comes on Friday night when the Rockets, fresh off impressive season-opening victories over Grand Haven and Farmington, will visit Mona Shores.
“I think having the opportunity to close the gap – to be able to get to the point to where we are thinking and talking the way we do now – was a moral victory,” Kater said. “That was also good for the community and good for our youth football program and the parents, to see that we have a different brand out there.
“But at the end of the day we would like to get away from moral victories and find the results we are looking for.”
Last year’s matchup with Mona Shores was a tough learning experience, according to Kater.
Photo/Joe Lane
Mona Shores led 3-0 at halftime and it was anyone’s game in the second half, but R-P hurt itself by throwing two interceptions, allowing a blocked punt that turned into a touchdown, stalling on several drives deep in Mona Shores territory, and committing several penalties at key moments.
“We had a lot of injuries going into that game, and when it got to be crunch time we made some mistakes because some guys were playing out of their normal positions,” Kater said. “Football is a game of moments, and you have to be able to identify them and understand them and have a plan of action.
"We were able to teach from that situation and it helped us improve as a program. It was frustrating, but we gained something from it.”
While the Rockets are hoping for a much better result on Friday, they also know that the talented Sailors are coming off a 31-8 loss to powerful Rockford and will be extra eager for a win.
“They are going to be hungry,” Kater said. “They have a very strong coaching staff and tradition and we’re going to have our hands full. There’s going to be a lot of outside noise about the game. Our job will be to just focus on the things that matter and keep the main thing the main thing.”
Photo/Joe Lane
Based on R-P’s performance in the first two weeks of the season, anything could be possible against Mona Shores.
After rolling past Grand Haven 41-13 in the season opener, R-P made the long trip to Farmington last Thursday and took control of the game right away.
The Rockets scored touchdowns on their first three possessions and led 20-6 at halftime. They scored two more in the second half, the R-P defense kept Farmington from getting its offense going, and the final result was a very nice 34-18 victory.
The Rockets had four starters missing due to injury, but still dominated the game from the beginning.
“Guys are really starting to believe a little bit more,” Kater said. “Maybe in previous years we would have been doubtful (due to the injuries), but this group is different. We’ve been doing a better job of building confidence in the kids. I am really excited about how we’ve improved in that area.
Photo/Joe Lane
“I was not really that surprised at how well we did. I think we actually left some points out there on the field.”
The big story of the game was senior running back Brody Johnson, who had a career-best night with 210 yards and all five of the Rockets’ touchdowns.
Every time Farmington seemed to be finding its footing, Johnson would break another big run, and break the Falcons’ will in the process.
“I really think in the first couple of quarters he’s feeling it out, figuring out where he can make his runs,” Kater said about Johnson. “Then as the defense wears down, Brody stays consistent the whole game and can break out a big run at any time.”
Also playing a very big role was senior Bryce Ross, who is usually a slot receiver but stepped in at quarterback because Week 1 starter Antrel Jones was nursing some injuries.
Photo/Joe Lane
Ross, who had not played quarterback since his youth league days, ran the offense confidently and efficiently and passed for 203 yards. Perhaps it’s something in the family DNA, because he’s the brother of last year’s starting quarterback, Brady Ross.
The really amazing part is that Ross is actually R-P's third-string quarterback, behind Jones and backup Sage Stiller.
Assuming all three are healthy on Friday, who will start at Mona Shores? Earlier this week Kater said he wasn’t sure and didn’t seem very eager to tip his hand.
“We found out that Bryce is able to operate the offense if need be, Sage should be back, and Antrel should be back, as well,” Kater said. “We really do not know (who wills start) and we really don’t want Mona Shores knowing either.”
